Highland Falls Annual 4th of July Firecracker 5K and Children’s Fun Run

The Women’s Distance Festival is more than just a race—it’s a celebration of strength, community, and the power of women supporting women. With every stride, every mile, and every finish line crossed, we are helping advance the vital work of the Center for Safety & Change, whose mission is to support, shelter, and provide services to victims and survivors of sexual assault, domestic violence, human trafficking, and other crimes.

This year’s theme, TOGETHER WE RISE, captures the true spirit of the Women’s Distance Festival. It reminds us that when we come together—lifting each other up, standing side by side, and moving forward as a community—we create real and lasting change. Every participant, volunteer, and supporter plays a role in building a safer, stronger, and more equitable future for all.

The Women’s Distance Festival began as a powerful movement. Created by the Road Runners Club of America, the event originally served as a protest against the lack of long-distance racing opportunities for women. As recently as the 1980 Olympics, it was widely believed that women could not compete at distances greater than 1500 meters—less than one mile. In response, the first Women’s Distance Festivals were held in July 1980 across the United States, running parallel to the men’s marathon at the Moscow Olympics.

The Rockland Road Runners brought the Women’s Distance Festival to our community in 1988, and it has since grown into the largest Women and Girls 5K in the tri-state area.

Join us for the 38th Annual Women’s Distance Festival 5K Run/Walk on Sunday, July 12 at 8:00 AM at Rockland Lake State Park. For those who cannot attend in person, a virtual race option will be available from Sunday, July 12 through Sunday, July 19.

Come experience the energy, strength, and determination of hundreds of women and girls moving forward together. Whether you run, walk, volunteer, or cheer from the sidelines, you are part of something bigger.

Lace up your sneakers, show up with your community, and remember: when women support women, TOGETHER WE RISE.

An annual 5K run/walk and kids 1 mile race on the streets of Chelsea, NY located in the town of Wappingers ( NOT the Chelsea in NYC) to benefit the Chelsea Fire Company, and The Robert VanTassel “Live the Dash” scholarship. Given to 2 Beacon High School Seniors, who show sportsmanship, integrity, and 100% commitment to his/her running goals.

In 2023, we changed the name of the race to The Robert Van Tassel Live the Dash 5k. Bobby was the race coordinator from the beginning. He ran the race every year and gave the medals out at the end. He was the Fire District Commissioner, past chief, and held every office over the 40 years he served CFD. He passed on October 20, 2022. Running was his passion. He ran until his very last breath. We continue this race in his honor. “LIVE THE DASH”!! The race starts and ends at the fire station on Liberty St. and takes you along the Hudson River. Want to run with friends or family, sign up together!

10K, 5K, and 1-Mile Kids Fun Run along the historic Hudson River. Proceeds benefit the Scholarship Fund of the West Point-Highland Falls Rotary Club Foundation. http://rotary-wphf.org/

Parking in the US Mint/West Point Ski Slope parking lot. Start / Finish is near West Point's Washington Gate on NY-218.

Awards Ceremonies will follow each race at the finish area. Awards for top finishers in each age/gender category.

Walkers / Volksmarchers are welcome. No pets or strollers permitted if the race is on the Alternate Route. Race will be held rain or shine (except for lightning storm). Multiple water stations on the race routes.

All paid registrants will be provided a race t-shirt, goodie bag, and food/beverages.

10K/5K Registration Fee: $30 (Race Day: $35)

USMA Cadets / USMAPS CCs: 10K/5K Registration Fee: $15 (Online and Race Day)

1-Mile Kids Fun Run Registration Fee: $10 (Online and Race Day)

10K route: https://www.mapmyrun.com/routes/view/73460968

Alternate route: https://www.mapmyrun.com/routes/view/5642392159/

Race chip timing by Super Race Systems.

DJ at start/finish provided by Party Time Productions.

10K/5K Age Divisions: 18 and under, 19-29, 30-39, 40-49, 50-59, 60-69, 70-79, 80+

Event details and schedule

Event Schedule:

• 7:30 a.m. Packet Pick-Up and On-Site Registration opens

• 9:00 a.m. 1-Mile Kids Fun Run

• 9:15 a.m. 10K / 5K Start

Please join Paws Crossed Animal Rescue for our annual run/walk! Again this year, we are combining our 5K with our annual Paws Crossed Day! This is our anniversary event where we host vendors, food trucks, live music, entertainment and of course, adoptions! All festivities will be active from 11am - 3pm!

Yes, race day registration is available! Race day registration opens at 9:00 AM.

The race will be professionally timed and runners will get official results. We hope you can help support our mission, to "Rescue One By One Until There are None".